Road Trips have gathered a reputation to be stressful experiences, but they don't have to be. If you pack and plan just right, you could have the time of your life on your next vacation or suicide trip. (A suicide trip is driving somewhere an back when you have a very important appointment immediately after.)

Steps

1

Plan. There is no need for complicated lists, but a simple checklist with everything you think you need is a good start.

2

Shop. I'm a girl, and I hate to shop. I know you guys agree with me. But, unfortunately it is inevitable. Just pick up a few spare things. Toiletries,books, mags, etc. That you want or need.

3

Pack, Pack, Pack! Packing light is the best road to take. Depending on the length of your trip, bring a roomy backpack or a shoulder bag.

4

Vessels! One backpack is perfect for clothes (rolling them up makes them easier to fit,)but you can carry another smaller bag for car entertainment, (books, magazines, iPod.) Put your clothes in the trunk and keep the other with you at all times.

5

Pack food! Stuff a cooler with nuts, fruits, crackers, and other nibbles. Soda, juice, and lots of water are also handy, but steer clear of salty foods and do not drink too much water, as you will have to pee sooner or later.

6

Lets Go! When you get in the car, choose a good seat and make it yours! You'll be stuck here for awhile, so make sure it is comfy and roomy.

7

Stop! Every road trip has stops, so make them count. Use the restroom, get a meal, grab a snack. A good tradition is stopping ONCE along the way to satisfy your sweet tooth. Other stops should be filled with healthy foods and good meals.

8

Wear comfortable clothes. Pajamas and Flip flops are good for guys and girls, but shorts and tanks are good too. Always wear flip-flops! You will want to let your feet air out. A big sweatshirt is also good for winter or nighttime trips.

9

Play! This is where you use everything in your car entertainment bag. Play games, chat w/ friends, read a book, read some magazines, and don't focus on the car ride.

10

Sleep! Sleep! Sleep! It passes the time so well, and it is so relaxing. Try going to bed late and waking up early the night before so you are extra tired.

Community Q&A

If this question (or a similar one) is answered twice in this section, please click here to let us know.

Tips

Bring lots and lots of pillows and blankets You can make a fort around yourself or a nest to sleep in.

Try bringing a whole season or series of a TV show such as Friends or The Simpsons or The Big Bang Theory. Also some kid shows could be Spongebob, Regular Show. If each episode is a half an hour long, and your car ride is four hours, watch 8 episodes and you are done.

Don't scrimp on snacks, but don't overdo it. The absolute last thing you want is a stomachache!

Make a travel playlist on your iPod and fill it with catchy, upbeat songs. Your mood will brighten.

Don't glance at the clock every minute, it will make the ride drag on forever.

If you happen to get a stomachache or motion sickness, make sure you have medicine for it.

Bring a laptop or a portable DVD player and plenty of movies. This is the same as watching TV, the time will fly by!

Look forward to rest stops and gas stations. Get a new kind f food that you have never had at every place you get food. At Starbucks, try a smoothie instead of a frappe. The chocolate smoothie is particularly good.

What kind of person doesn't read? Bring a fat book like Harry Potter or The Lord of the Rings. They are both fantastic series.

Warnings

If you decide to bring or buy candy at any point during this trip, I can guarantee that you will only get it once. So try to pick candy that will last a very long time, such as King Size licorice packs, lollipops, suckers, and gum.

Watch out for bumpy roads, such as assorted sections of Route 66 and Pearblossom Highway (In California). Your laptop hard drive could get scratched, and any discs you are attempting to play will indefinably skip.

Your biggest danger is motion sickness. It is no big deal, but it is a very bad experience. Your symptoms may include: uneasy stomach,foul taste in your mouth, shivers. Just take a travel capsule such as Benadryl or Pepto-Bismol, and it should go away.

Chocolate and Fudge are bad choices on a long car trip, especially in summer. Chocolate chip cookies are relatively safe, but unless you don't value your cars upholstery, don't give them to a young child.

Avoid reading on winding roads. Even the strongest teens can get motion sick in this situation.

If you are prone to motion sickness, avoid reading. Magazines and pictures are alright, but no novels.